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What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should summary
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14 mins
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What You Don't Know about Leadership by Jeffrey A. Kottler is a guide to effective leadership that challenges conventional wisdom and offers new insights and strategies for aspiring leaders.
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What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should
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Good leaders understand their own ignorance and respect their subordinates’ expertise.
If you’ve been working long enough, it’s only a matter of time before you end up with a bad boss. But have you ever asked yourself what it is that makes some people so bad at leading effectively?
One trait common to bad bosses is that they believe they know everything. Great leaders, in contrast, know that, especially in today’s chaotic, fast-changing environment, it’s impossible to know it all.
Michael Skelly is an experienced leader, responsible for launching several successful companies focused on renewable energy. While earning his MBA at an Ivy League school, Skelly realized that, though his classmates were bright, they were often too scared to ask questions, since asking would reveal a lack of knowledge.
At the same time, Skelly found that these classmates all respected his willingness to speak up and admit his ignorance. Skelly now incorporates this refreshing honesty into all his business dealings, and when asked about his greatest strength as a leader, he points to his ability to ask questions and admit when he doesn’t understand something.
Skelly’s example also shows that being a humble leader is important, especially today, when more organizations are moving toward democratic and decentralized leadership structures.
Universities and hospitals, as well as pharmaceutical and technology companies, are all favoring participatory leadership, which brings employees from every level into the decision-making process. Rather than adhering to the traditional model of having everyone obey orders passed down from on high, these organizations are implementing more democratic and collaborative structures.
Appropriately enough, the author has found that it’s within these democratically-run organizations that know-it-all leaders are most resented.
Doctors, professors, software engineers and scientists lodge the most complaints about bosses who stick their noses in their work. So a good leader isn’t one who barks orders or thinks they have all the right answers. A good boss knows when to stand back and trust that their staff has what it takes to make decisions and do the job they’ve been hired to do.
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What is What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should about?
What You Don’t Know about Leadership, But Probably Should (2018) takes the latest research and psychological theories from the field of leadership science and explains how individuals can apply them to their daily work life. Using examples from famous leaders of all kinds, the author gives tips on how any leader can more effectively manage a team during times of conflict and stress.
What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should Review
What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should by Jeffrey A. Kottler (2021) offers insightful perspectives on leadership that are often overlooked. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- By showcasing real-life stories and experiences, it provides a refreshing and relatable exploration of leadership, making it relevant and applicable to various contexts.
- The book challenges conventional wisdom and offers new and unconventional approaches to leadership, encouraging readers to think critically and expand their understanding of effective leadership.
- With its engaging and thought-provoking discussions on leadership, the book successfully avoids dullness, making it an enlightening and captivating read.
Best quote from What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should
The average adult now checks his or her phone on average every six minutes.
—Jeffrey A. Kottler
Who should read What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should?
- People interested in workplace psychology
- Anyone wishing to improve their leadership skills
- Students of business management
Categories with What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should
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What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should FAQs
What is the main message of What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should?
The main message of What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should is the importance of understanding key principles and skills to become an effective leader.
How long does it take to read What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should?
The reading time for What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should a good book? Is it worth reading?
What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should is worth reading as it provides valuable insights into leadership and offers practical advice for enhancing your leadership skills.
Who is the author of What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should?
The author of What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should is Jeffrey A. Kottler.
What to read after What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should?
If you're wondering what to read next after What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The First-Time Manager by Loren B. Belker
- Becoming the Boss by Lindsey Pollak
- Welcome to Management by Ryan Hawk
- Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
- Management Mess to Leadership Success by Scott Jeffrey Miller
- The Agile Leader by Simon Hayward
- The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
- The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
- Collaborating with the Enemy by Adam Kahane